Duke Energy is a large American electric power and natural gas holding company, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides electricity to over 7.7 million retail customers in six states. They are also focused on building a smarter, cleaner, and more reliable energy future.
As the UI specialist for the Duke Energy iOS and Android prototype apps, my primary role was translating the strategic direction into a visual design. The goal was to create an aesthetic that embodied the feeling of energy. I developed a visual style centered around a ‘soft glow’ concept, using carefully curated hot-to-cold color gradients to represent data such as energy usage dials, historical graphs, current temperature, atmospheric conditions, and predictive forecasts.
Although this project began as a four-month prototype engagement, many of the strategic and UI elements were carried over into the final product released to Duke Energy subscribers.
Landing Page Energy Data Visuals
Supporting visuals made it easy for users to quickly interpret both current and historical data. Information was presented clearly, so users could understand their energy usage at a glance without needing to dig or decipher complex charts.
Travel and vacation scheduling gave users peace of mind by allowing them to control how their home used energy while they were away. While all settings remained accessible remotely, the ability to pre-set schedules meant users could confidently leave without needing to make ongoing adjustments.
Historical usage data was one of the most requested features. By presenting this information in a highly visual format, users could quickly interpret their energy patterns and make informed decisions to adjust their usage and manage their budgets more effectively.
The daily energy breakdown within the monthly view became a well-loved feature, helping users clearly understand how their energy consumption translated into their bill. This visual representation brought transparency and clarity to their monthly charges.